Learn English – Should I use “ascent” or “ascension” in the following sentence

word-choice

With little remaining energy, Mary hauled herself into elevator,
fought the gravity generated by the ascent/ascension, and staggered
out to the 14th floor.

Which word should I use? And why?

Best Answer

In your usage

With little remaining energy, Mary hauled herself into elevator, fought the gravity generated by the ascent, and staggered out to the 14th floor.

Since Mary is climbing upwards, her action is called an

ascent - (n) a climb or walk to the summit of a mountain or hill.

in mountaineering first attempts of climbing a mountain are called

first ascents

It should be pointed out that your sentence does not really make sense since climbing upwards does not generate gravity.

Your other word has a very different meaning

ascension - (n) the act of rising to an important position or a higher level

June 2nd will be the 64th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the throne.

One of the most famous paintings of an ascension is Raphael's Transfiguration

This painting is also the subject of one of the largest "instant" Poloroids ever

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